Gaston, Lincoln and Cleveland Week 2 Picks

Game of the Week: Lincolnton (0-1) @ South Point (0-1): Neither team expected to start the season like they did. Lincolnton was upset last week by North Lincoln 26-13. South Point found themselves on the wrong side of a 35-13 blowout. With the loss, the Red Raiders have their 39 game regular season winning streak snapped. Both teams are determined to avoid starting the season 0-2. The Red Raiders have not started 0-2 since 2010. One of those losses was to Lincolnton 43-42 in overtime.  It is not likely the Red Raiders will start 0-2 this time around, but there’s a reason they play the game.

 

My pick: South Point 34 – Lincolnton 27

Ashbrook (1-0) @ Crest (1-0): Crest ended a long losing streak to South Point last week as they smashed the Red Raiders 35-13. Now Crest is hopeful to keep a winning streak of their own alive against another Gaston County opponent. The Chargers have won six straight against Ashbrook including a 23-13 victory in the second round of the playoffs last year. Ashbrook is looking to snap the losing streak against the Chargers. The last time the Green Wave beat Crest was in 2010 when Ashbrook upset Crest 20-17. Ashbrook’s defense pitched a shutout last week in a 23-0 rout of Burns, but the offense sputtered in the second half. To have a chance at a victory, Ashbrook will need to be clicking in both phases.

My pick: Crest 24 – Ashbrook 17

Clover, SC (0-1) @ Forestview (1-0): The Jaguars begin the season with a win for the first time in five years after drubbing Nation Ford 48-28. Now, the Jaguars turn their focus over to Clover. Forestview is hoping to make it three wins in a row over Clover. But the Blue Eagles will have other ideas. Another year under Coach Chad Smith’s system should provide them with much needed growth. Look for this to be much closer than last year’s 41-6 blowout victory.

My pick: Forestview 35 – Clover 21

North Gaston (1-0) @ East Rutherford (0-1): North Gaston started the season off on the right foot and hopes to keep the momentum going. But East Rutherford will be a tougher task than last week’s game. Last year, the Wildcats toppled the Cavaliers 43-42. Could this be another one of those exciting games?

My pick: East Rutherford 27 – North Gaston 24

Hunter Huss (0-1) @ Vance (1-0): Huss’s tough nonconference schedule just got tougher. Vance opened up the season with a dominant 49-0 win over West Mecklenburg. The Huskies lost a tough one to Kings Mountain 34-21. It was 21-0 at some point in the first half. The Huskies are going to need to bring their A+ game in order to be competitive in this game.

My pick: Vance 42 – Hunter Huss 7

R-S Central (1-0) @ Stuart Cramer (0-1): Expect more growing pains for the Stuart Cramer. The Storm dropped their opener against Thomas Jefferson last week 28-7. The Hilltoppers are coming off a 26-15 win over McDowell. This game could get away from Cramer rather quickly.

My pick: R-S Central 35 – Stuart Cramer 7

East Gaston (0-1) @ Kings Mountain (1-0): Kings Mountain is looking to build on last week’s 34-21 victory over Hunter Huss. East Gaston is out to show that they are a completely different team from last year. The Warriors gave East Lincoln a run for their money in the first half last week. They even had a 14-6 lead before watching it dwindle as the Mustangs walked away with a 35-14 win. The Mountaineers will likely be another tall mountain to climb, though. But if East Gaston can show the same fight that they showed against a stout East Lincoln team, this game may get interesting.

My pick: Kings Mountain 38 – East Gaston 21

Shelby (1-0) @ A.C. Reynolds (0-1): If last year’s game with A.C. Reynolds is any indication, this game could be one for the books. Reynolds left Blanton Stadium last year with a 49-42 victory. The Rockets are hoping to avoid dropping two in a row at home as they lost 43-35 to West Forsyth last week. Shelby started the season off on fire, whipping Polk County 50-20. The Golden Lions are hoping to avenge last year’s loss to the Rockets. This could be another back-and-forth game just like last year’s contest.

My pick: Shelby 42 – A.C. Reynolds 38

Q Foundation (0-0) @ East Lincoln (1-0): After struggling early to East Gaston last week, the Mustangs pulled away with the victory (35-14). Don’t look for the Mustangs to have much trouble with the Q Foundation.

My pick: East Lincoln 42 – Q Foundation 6

North Lincoln (1-0) @ West Lincoln (1-0): North Lincoln started the season with a surprising 26-13 upset over Lincolnton. West Lincoln also started off with a win. They topped Draughn 34-21. The Rebels are hoping to put together two consecutive winning seasons. The Knights are just trying to get a winning season, period. This could be a shootout.

My pick: North Lincoln 26 – West Lincoln 20

Highland Tech (0-0) @ Central Academy (0-1): Highland Tech begins their season this week as they travel to Monroe to take on Central Academy. Like last year and the previous years, depth will continue to be a concern for the Rams.

My pick: Central Academy 38 – Highland Tech 0

Jaguars Offense Picks Up Where It Left Off

                The Forestview Jaguars might have answered many people’s questions tonight as they leave South Carolina with a 48-28 victory over Nation Ford. Losing record-setting quarterback, Logan Bradley, and wide receiver, Mykelti Armstrong, left big shoes to fill. But Moe Neal and John Crawford showed tonight that they can carry the slack. Moe Neal finished with 280 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns (two receiving and one rushing). John Crawford finished with 197 yards passing and 56 yards rushing and four touchdowns (three passing and one rushing).

                The Jaguars got on the board first with a Crawford to Neal 11-yard touchdown pass. Trey Heavner’s extra point made it 7-0. The Falcons answered that score with a Cole Martin touchdown pass to Hank Tuipulotu. Lexi Dressing’s extra point tied it up. Crawford and Neal connected again for another touchdown score on the ensuing drive. This time from 23 yards out.

                The Falcons were forced to punt on their next drive and that put the Jaguars back in business. Set up by a 32 yard run by Moe Neal that put the ball at the one yard line, Montavis Rogers put one on the board with a one-yard plunge into the end-zone. Heavner made the extra point again. But Nation Ford would not go away. Martin cut Forestview’s lead in half with a 23-yard touchdown connection to Jordan Helms.

                With just five seconds to go before half-time, Crawford connected with Caleb Mills for a 29-yard touchdown. That would make it 28-14 at half-time. The Jaguars appeared to be primed to go for the jugular early in the third quarter, but their drive stalled at the Falcons’ eleven yard line. Nation Ford once again chipped away at Forestview’s lead with a 29-yard touchdown connection from Martin to Tuipulotu. Dressing remained perfect on her extra points.

                But each time the Falcons got close, the Jaguars shut the door. Crawford this time made things happen with his legs as he dashed six yards for a touchdown score. Martin and Tuipulotu connected again, this time from seven yards. To cut the lead to seven once again (35-28), but that would be as close as the Falcons got. Neal extended Forestview’s lead with a 59-yard touchdown run with just less than five minutes to go.

                With time running out on Nation Ford, they knew they had to make something happen. But Martin was intercepted by Caleb Mills. Montavis Rogers put the nail in the coffin with a 45-yard touchdown run. The kick was blocked, however. Mills intercepted Martin a second time with just a minute to go. That was three interceptions on the night. Marquez Gray got the other interception earlier in the game.

                “There’s a lot we can improve on.” Forestview head coach Chris Medlin said “The way we competed and still being able to overcome some stuff and still put up 48 points against a good team, I’m pleased. A lot of people contributed. We had a lot of big plays both offensively and defensively.”

                Cole Martin amassed 298 yards passing and four touchdowns and three interceptions. Tuipulotu led the Falcons with 140 yards receiving and three touchdowns.

                “I think Forestview has a very good football team.” Falcons head coach Michael Allen said “They executed better than we did tonight. We just got some improving to do on the defensive side of the ball. We were in the game. We had opportunities to get our hands on some balls early and were one strike away from tying it and changing the dynamics of the game, but we didn’t seize the moment.”

                The Jaguars snap a four game losing streak to the Falcons and for the second year in a row, they leave South Carolina with a victory. Last year, they defeated Clover 41-6 in Clover. Prior to that, the Jaguars were 0-8 when going south of the border.

                Forestview will host Clover next week. Nation Ford will head to Boiling Springs.

Gaston, Lincoln and Cleveland County Week 1 Picks

Game of the Week: Crest @ South Point: After falling to the South Point Red Raiders eight straight times, the Crest Chargers feel that this is their best chance to end the losing streak against their former conference rival. Crest was the 3AA State Runner-up last year while South Point made it no further than the third round of the playoffs. But this a new year for both teams. The Red Raiders only return 9 starters from last year, but are always a dangerous squad. Two of those returning starters are quarterback Jaquan Brooks and Safety Tanner Muse. Muse is currently committed to Clemson. This game could be much closer than last year’s 35-16 South Point victory.

My pick: Crest 28 – South Point 24

Burns @ Ashbrook: These two teams met last year with Burns coming away with a 29-24 victory. However, Burns lost a lot from last year including former head coach Matt Beam. Ashbrook, on the other hand, returns 15 starters from a team that finished second in Big South action. Things could get bad before they get better for the Bulldogs.

My pick: Ashbrook 45 – Burns 14

Forestview @ Nation Ford, SC: This will be the eighth annual meeting between these two interstate rivals. However, this has been one-sided lately as the Falcons have taken four straight from the Jaguars including last year’s 57-56 barnburner. The Jaguars hope to snap the losing streak to Nation Ford. The Jaguars will also be confronted with the task of replacing quarterback Logan Bradley and wide out Mykelti Armstrong and many starters on defense. But one of the key returnees is Division I prospect Moe Neal (RB/SB).

My pick: Nation Ford 35 – Forestview 28

Bessemer City @ North Gaston: Bessemer City is expected to be in the running for the Southern Piedmont 1A conference crown, but it’s usually a different ball game when they visit neighboring 3A teams like North Gaston. The Wildcats will have to replace some key players on offense, but they look to be heading in the right direction. Last year was their best season since 2007 when they were the state 3A runner-ups.

My pick: North Gaston 35 – Bessemer City 14

Kings Mountain @ Hunter Huss: After a tough 1-6 start last year, the Huskies made a big turnaround winning five of their last seven games, including to playoffs wins over West Lincoln and Bunker Hill. Their run ended with a 24-14 loss against Parkwood. The biggest piece of their last year, Kerrion Moore, graduated so it will be up to Senior quarterback Andrew Jordan to lead the Huskies. Jamar McCoy takes over the reins of head coach after Steve Gardner stepped down. Kings Mountain, on the other hand, returns the majority of their starting line-up from last year and should be much better than last season’s disappointing 2-9 record.

My pick: Kings Mountain 35 – Hunter Huss 21

Thomas Jefferson @ Stuart Cramer: Welcome to varsity, Stuart Cramer. Thomas Jefferson won’t necessarily be an easy game to break into varsity play against. They are expected to be in the running for the Southern Piedmont 1A conference. The Storm will also have to play their entire season without starting quarterback Noah Oxendine.

My pick: Thomas Jefferson 42 – Stuart Cramer 13

East Gaston @ East Lincoln: East Gaston is looking to put the hardships of last season behind them. East Lincoln is hoping to return to the state title game. They were eliminated in the third round of the playoffs last year by Monroe 34-13. The Surratt brothers return for the Mustangs and that means their offense will be difficult to stop. Last year, the Mustangs defeated East Gaston, but later on had to forfeit. The Mustangs had to forfeit two more wins after that. East Gaston has switched their offense to a spread offense and hopes that will help steer them to more wins and a chance to return to the playoffs.

My pick: East Lincoln 37 – East Gaston 20

Lincolnton @ North Lincoln: North Lincoln faces the first of three county rivals to start the season given they are in a different conference. Lincolnton, with 16 starters back this year, could seriously challenge county rival, East Lincoln, for the Midwestern 2A conference. Lincolnton advanced to the third round of the 2A state playoffs last year and narrowly lost to Reidsville 13-10. North Lincoln brings back 15 from last year and are hopeful to move up in the North Piedmont 4A/3A conference. Since both of these teams are competing in challenging conferences, that’s what makes this opening game very critical for these two.

My pick: Lincolnton 35 – North Lincoln 21

West Lincoln @ Draughn: West Lincoln started off 7-1 last year before dropping their final four games, including the 30-27 playoff loss to Hunter Huss. The Rebels are hoping for another fast start. Look for this to have a similar outcome to last year’s 28-21 West Lincoln victory.

My pick: West Lincoln 24 – Draughn 20

Bunker Hill @ Cherryville: Bunker Hill has taken five straight from Cherryville. Cherryville is another team that is switching things up offensively to hopefully create more opportunities for more wins. Will that be enough to stop the skid against Bunker Hill?

My pick: Bunker Hill 34 – Cherryville 20

Polk County @ Shelby: The Shelby Golden Lions begin the defense of their 2A state championship tonight as they host Polk County. The Golden Lions defeated the Wolverines 38-21 in last year’s opener. The Wolverines will have their hands full with all the speed the Golden Lions are bringing to the table. Look for Shelby to walk away with a convincing win.

My pick: Shelby 45 – Polk County 21

Jaguars Run Ends

                The Forestview Jaguars trip to the championship was short lived as they fell 35-14 to the Concord Spiders in the fourth round of the N.C. state 3A playoffs. Things started off great for the Jaguars. On their first drive, on 4^th-and-32, Logan Bradley threw a pass into the end-zone that was tipped, but it ultimately landed into the arms of C.J. Bumgardner for a 36-yard touchdown reception. Colton Rouse’s extra point gave Forestview a 7-0 lead.

                But that would be the end of their fun. On Concord’s ensuing drive, Keenan Black connected with Miles Neals for a 49-yard touchdown reception. Logan Sedergren’s reception for a two-point conversion gave Concord an 8-7 lead. On Concord’s next drive, Black took it in himself for a ten-yard touchdown run. Alex Maganda’s kick made it 15-7 Concord.

                Black connected with Neil’s again for a 72-yard touchdown pass to give the Spiders a 21-7 lead. The pass for a two-point conversion failed, though. But it didn’t matter. The Spiders would then do a hook-and-latter play that resulted in another Neils touchdown. It was 28-7 at half-time.

                In the third quarter, Concord just kept on pouring it on. Keenan Black this time connected with Hamsah Nasirildeen for a 20-yard touchdown strike. Maganda’s kick gave the Spiders a dominating 35-7 lead. Forestview did get a drive going in the third quarter and was within striking distance, but Bradley was intercepted by Raquon Pemberton in the end-one. 

                 Now into the fourth quarter, the Jaguars would not quit. Bradley would connect with Mykelti Armstrong for a ten-yard reception. Rouse’s extra point cut the Spiders’ lead to 35-14. Rouse’s on-side kick was successfully recovered. But the Jaguars failed to punch another score in and Concord would melt the clock and Forestview would not get another shot as their hopes for a trip the state championship were wrecked.

Gaston and Cleveland Round 4 Playoff Picks and Game-by-Game Results

Forestview (10-4) @ Concord (14-0): Who would have thought the Jaguars would have made this far after the adversity they suffered toward the end of the season? Well, here they are! After losing to South Point 49-34, Ashbrook 34-31, and Hunter Huss 24-20, and lost their quarterback, Logan Bradley in the process, the Jaguars looked like they were left for dead. Then Forestview made adjustments and the team overcame the loss with two straight blowout wins – a 65-8 win at East Gaston in the regular season finale and a 63-48 win at Carson in the first round of the playoffs. Then Bradley came back against Freedom, a game the Jaguars won 35-34 and he has not missed a beat since his return. They are coming off a 42-20 whipping of Hibriten. Concord has put together an undefeated season and will prove to be a big test for this resilient Jaguar team. The Spiders have put up 50 or more points in four games this year. Last week, the Spiders held South Point’s offense to their lowest point total of the season in their 21-13 win and they are looking to deal Forestview that same fate.

Shown below are game-by-game results of each team.

Forestview

Nation Ford – Lost 57-56
@ Clover – Won 41-6
@ Kings Mountain – Won 41-14
East Lincoln – Won 44-27
Lake Norman Charter – Won 63-7
Bessemer City – Won 66-7
@ North Gaston – Won 55-22
South Point – Lost 49-34
@ Ashbrook – Lost 34-31
Hunter Huss – Lost 24-20
@ East Gaston – Won 65-8
@ J.C. Carson – Won 63-48
@ Freedom – Won 35-34
@ Hibriten – Won 42-20

Concord

@ A.L. Brown – Won 33-20
Mount Pleasant – Won 21-2
@ Hickory Ridge – Won 51-27
South Rowan – Won 34-13
@ East Rowan – Won 55-28
Central Cabarrus – Won 63-50
@ Cox Mill – Won 28-14
J.C. Carson – Won 35-8
@ West Rowan – Won 24-13
NW Cabarrus – Won 52-21
Garinger – Won 70-6
NW Cabarrus – Won 29-0
Piedmont – Won 21-14
South Point – Won 21-13

·         - bolded games are common opponents

My pick: Forestview 28 – Concord 27

Northwest Guilford (12-2) @ Crest (13-1): Don’t let the record fool you, the Nighthawks are actually undefeated on the field but had to forfeit two wins this year. The Chargers lost their season opener to South Point 35-16, but have not looked back and rolled up 13 consecutive victories. The Chargers have won all three of their playoff games by 10 or more points. It will not be easy tonight as Northern Guilford has held ten of their opponents to seven points or less, including five shutouts. These two met in consecutive state titles in 2010 and 2011 with the Nighthawks winning 21-20 in the first one and then winning the second one by a dominating score of 31-7. The Chargers hope to write a new chapter to that story.

Shown below are game-by-game results of each team.

Crest

South Point – Lost 35-16
@ Ashbrook – Won 25-23
Draughn – Won 39-6
@ T.C. Roberson – Won 44-34
@ R-S Central – Won 33-17
Chase – Won 52-14
@ Kings Mountain – Won 43-7
East Burke – Won 41-7
@ East Rutherford – Won 35-14
Burns – Won 21-17
@ Shelby – Won 31-14
Hickory Ridge – Won 41-20
Ashbrook – Won 23-13
A.C. Reynolds – Won 30-14

Northern Guilford

@ Page – Won 21-14
Northwest Guilford – Lost by forfeit (won 33-7 on field)
Williams – Lost by forfeit (won 7-0 on field)
@ Reidsville – Won 34-33
@ Western Alamance – Won 30-7
Eastern Alamance – Won 29-6
@ Rockingham County – 35-0
Eastern Guilford – Won 41-0
@ Northeast Guilford – Won 49-0
McMichael – Won 40-7
@ Morehead – Won 49-6
Eastern Guilford – Won 28-0
Central Cabarrus – Won 34-14
Weddington – Won 22-19

My pick: Northern Guilford 24 – Crest 21

Shelby (10-4) @ Reidsville (12-2): The Regular season did not end the way the Golden Lions would have hoped as they lost two of their last three games. If anything, it seemed to make Shelby hungrier. The Golden Lions opened the playoffs with a 58-8 whipping of Mountain Heritage. The next week, they took their momentum on the road to North Wilkes and came away with a 42-20 victory. Last week, they took down top-seeded North Rowan 45-21. The Rams have been pretty dominant in the regular season but have been slowed down a little bit. Last week, they barely squeezed by Lincolnton 13-10. These two teams are no strangers to each other. The Rams last played Shelby in the 2007 state title game. Reidsville came away with a 28-20 victory, capping off a perfect 16-0 season. In 2005, the Golden Lions traveled to Reidsville in the playoffs and won 26-18 en route to their first of two consecutive state titles. This one will be for a ticket to the big dance.

Shown below are game-by-game results of each team.

Shelby

@ Polk County - Won 38-21
A.C. Reynolds – Lost 49-42
@ South Point – Lost 35-24
@ R-S Central – Won 45-14
Chase – Won 32-20
@ Kings Mountain – Won 49-0
East Burke – Won 37-14
@ East Rutherford – Won 48-10
Burns – Lost 38-34
@ Draughn – Won 49-14
Crest – Lost 31-14
Mountain Heritage – Won 58-8
North Wilkes – Won 42-20
North Rowan – Won 45-21

Reidsville

@ McMichael – Won 32-0
Rockingham County – Won 28-7
@ Morehead – Won 42-7
Northwest Guilford – Lost 42-14
Northern Guilford – Lost 34-33
Northeast Guilford – Won 32-7
Jordan-Matthews – Won 34-7
@ Bartlet-Yancey – Won 55-32
Graham – Won 55-15
@ Cummings – Won 35-7
@ Carrboro – Won 49-6
Hendersonville – Won 50-20
Polk County – Won 27-19
Lincolnton – Won 13-10

My pick: Shelby 28 – Reidsville 21

 

Jaguars continue historic playoff run

The Jaguars continue to play the role of “Road Warriors” as they pick up another road playoff victory. This time it’s a 42-20 blowout of Hibriten. The Jaguars used a balanced attack on offense with Logan Bradley’s passing game and Moe Neal’s running game. Defensively, they smothered Hibriten’s rushing attack.

Things started off bleak for the Jaguars. The Panthers scored out of the gate on their first drive. Quarterback Jacob Copper capped off the Panthers’ first drive with a seven-yard touchdown run. Luke Robson’s extra point gave the Panthers the 7-0 lead.

The Jaguars would answer with a drive of their own. Jarvis Jeffries got Forestview on the board with a one-yard plunge into the end-zone. Colton Rouse’s kick tied the game up at 7-7. Bradley’s 36-yard touchdown pass to Mykelti Armstrong gave Forestview a 14-7 advantage. That would be the score at half-time.

In the second half, things continued to go Forestview’s way. Moe Neal got his first touchdown run of the game with a three-yard run into the end-zone. After Josh Dawkins intercepted a pass from Hibriten quarterback, Jacob Copper, the Jaguars were back in business. But the Panthers caught a break as Neal fumbled before getting into the end-zone.

Bradley’s air assault continued to give the Panthers more trouble. Bradley would connect with Caleb Mills for a 25-yard touchdown reception. Rouse’s kick gave the Jaguars a 28-7 lead.

As if Forestview’s defense wasn’t doing enough damage by stifling the Hibriten offense, the defense made a big play that broke the Panthers backs. Xzavier Davis scooped up a Hibriten fumble and took it 40 yards for a touchdown to give Forestview a 35-7 advantage.

The Panthers, however, were determined not to give up. Davone Jones cut Forestview’s lead with a 69-yard touchdown run. Robson’s extra point made it 35-14. After Logan Bradley was intercepted by Jamal Grier, the Panthers continued to chip away at Forestview’s lead. Tishawn Daniels’s one-yard touchdown run cut the lead to 35-20. The kick was missed, however.

But the door was slammed on any comeback hopes thanks to a five-yard touchdown run by Neal. Neal amassed 156 yards offensively and two touchdowns. Bradley threw for 237 yards and two touchdowns in the win.

“They played lights out.” Forestview head coach Chris Medlin said “We have some good players. They executed and played great.”

It was not an easy journey for Forestview. After losing Logan Bradley for two games, Medlin knew it was time for somebody to step up and boy did they ever?

“People stepped up when they had to and it started with East Gaston and Carson.” Medlin said.

“We lost to a better team tonight.” Hibriten head coach Clay Lewis said “You got to tip your hat to those guys. We went several three-and-outs and could never get into a rhythm.”

Forestview advances to the regional championship game to take on Concord. The Spiders defeated South Point 21-13.

Gaston, Lincoln and Cleveland Round 3 Playoff Picks

Game of the Week: Forestview (9-4) @ Hibriten (12-1): The Jaguars continue to be road warriors as they have won two straight road playoff games including last week’s 35-34 win over top-seeded Freedom. The Jaguars are 7-1 on the road this year. Hibriten, on the other hand, has not been beaten at home this year. They are 7-0 at home. Their only loss was at Freedom by a score of 42-35. The Jaguars are on their longest playoff run in school history and are hopeful to keep it going. Hibriten has not been this far since 2010 when they lost in the fourth round to then state champ, West Rowan. Both teams have put up solid numbers offensively. This should be a catfight between the Panthers and the Jaguars.

My pick: Forestview 38 – Hibriten 34

South Point (13-0) @ Concord (13-0): This is the fourth time since 2000 that these two teams have met with South Point winning all three of the matchups. Will the fourth time be the charm for the Spiders? It doesn’t look like it as South Point dominated a really good Burns team last week 51-14 and Concord barely squeezed by Piedmont 21-14. The Red Raiders lost in the third round last year to Statesville 27-21. Don’t look for that to happen in this matchup.

My pick: South Point 42 – Concord 21

Parkwood (7-6) @ Hunter Huss (6-7): After going 4-7 in regulation and 0-5 at home before the playoffs, the Huskies won two straight home playoff games and are hosting another one. They host #16 Parkwood. The Rebels knocked off #1 Franklin and #8 Forest Hills. Could #5 Hunter Huss be next? The Huskies, after starting the season 1-6, won five of their last seven games. The last time Huss went this far into the playoffs was in 2005 when they traveled to play Asheville. The Huskies lost that game 35-7. Both teams appear to be on a Cinderella run. Well, at least one chariot will turn into a pumpkin before midnight tonight.

My pick: Hunter Huss 27 – Parkwood 21

A.C. Reynolds (9-4) @ Crest (12-1): The Chargers once again advance to the third round of the playoffs after getting past a tough Ashbrook squad 23-13. The Rockets survived a three-overtime battle with Statesville, escaping 52-49. These two teams are very familiar with each other. They have played the last four seasons with Reynolds winning the first two and Crest winning the final two. Look for another shootout in Boiling Springs tonight.

My pick: Crest 34 – A.C. Reynolds 27

Shelby (9-4) @ North Rowan (13-0): The Golden Lions have a tall task ahead of them as they travel to face unbeaten North Rowan. Not many of the Cavaliers games have been close. In fact, the last time they even had a game within 15 points was in September when they beat Davie County 28-13. Their closest game of the year was a 39-33 win over Statesville just a week earlier. However, the Cavaliers have not faced many teams as good as Shelby this year. The last time these two teams have met was in 2000 in Shelby. The Cavaliers left Shelby with a 34-24 win. The Golden Lions hope for a different result. This could be another tight game.

My pick: North Rowan 31 – Shelby 27

Lincolnton (9-4) @ Reidsville (11-2): Lincolnton shocked many last week as they topped top-seeded Carver 28-27. Now the Wolves are looking to extend their playoff season as they travel to take on Reidsville. These two teams last met in the 2001 playoffs with Lincolnton winning 31-7. The Rams also hope to see a different result. They slipped by Polk County last week 27-19. Their only losses this season were to top 3AA team, North Guilford and to Northwest Guilford. Both teams are still in the playoffs.

My pick: Reidsville 27 – Lincolnton 24

East Lincoln (9-4) @ Monroe (11-2): These are two more teams with some playoff history with each other. They met in 2007 with East Lincoln winning 54-20 in Monroe. Both offenses have been on fire and both defenses have been very stingy. East Lincoln’s only on-the-field loss came at the hands of Forestview 44-27. Monroe’s two losses were to NCISAA champion, Charlotte Christian, 42-12 and to Weddington 36-22. This should be one to watch for local fans.

My pick: East Lincoln 36 – Monroe 34